Album Review: Blue Skies for Black Hearts

Blue Skies for Black Hearts (Velvatonic)

[THROWBACK POP] After more than a decade together, Blue
Skies for Black Hearts is nothing if not consistent. The band’s newest
effort follows closely in the footsteps of its last full-length, Embracing the Modern Age,
sticking to the simple, hook-laden throwback pop frontman Pat Kearns
first established with the project in 2002. A heavy nod to power pop
circa the British Invasion, the 12 tracks on Blue Skies for Black Hearts
are heavy on easy melodies and undemanding lyrics, but the five-piece
manages to toss in a few surprises, too. “Love Scenes” throws a fun
doo-wop swing into the mix, flecked with dreamy group “oohs” and a
classic, repetitive guitar hook that makes up for the puppy-love lyrics.
“You Gotta Quit Kickin’ My Dog” moves the album into heavier rock
territory, big on kick drum, fuzzy keys, guitar arpeggios and a sharper
edge to Kearn’s normally clean, restrained vocals. Blue Skies for Black
Hearts does what it was made to do, offering clean, friendly tunes that
don’t give off the vibe of trying too hard. The clean sound can perhaps
be attributed to Kearns’ gig as a producer—his résumé includes Exploding
Hearts and Son of Huns—but most likely it has more to do with the
musicians and their ability to dress up basic, catchy pop hooks ever so
slightly, allowing them to remain, well, simply catchy.